Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Review

Hideo Kojima bridges the gap between past and present to deliver a sci-fi strand masterpiece that had me hooked from start to finish, my full review.

When Death Stranding first arrived in 2019, Hideo Kojima’s haunting, pandemic-foreshadowing ode to human connection struck me as strange, complex, and utterly captivating. It wasn’t without its flaws; its slow-burn story and cargo-courier gameplay were imperfect. I saw a lot of Kojima’s design and gameplay signatures that I loved pulsing beneath, building to something even greater. Now, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has arrived, building upon the foundation of its predecessor in incredible new ways.

The sequel picks up 11 months after the events of the first game, this time with a sharper focus on story, expanded combat, and fearless creativity. The setting has shifted from the U.S. and parts of Mexico into Australia—a testament to Kojima’s appetite for narrative scale. With this sequel, Kojima Productions leans fully into outlandish, cinematic storytelling and more action. It’s incredible, combining not only one of the best games of this year, but one of the best pieces of science fiction I’ve ever experienced. Let’s dive headlong into the strange, dystopian world of Death Stranding 2 in my full review.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Review Details

Platform(s): PlayStation 5 (PS5 Pro enhanced)

Reviewed on: PS5 Pro

Developer: Kojima Productions

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Genre: Action-adventure

Available game modes: Single-player + asynchronous online cooperation

ESRB Rating: Mature 17+

Death Stranding 2’s Story: An Emotional Sci-Fi Odyssey

On the Beach opens with Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) exiled in Mexico, hiding from the world to protect baby Lou. This hermit life doesn’t last long when Fragile (Léa Seydoux) tracks him down with news that pulls Sam back onto the open road. What I love is how the story sinks its hooks in immediately, reacquainting you with Kojima’s fractured, uncanny world. One word of warning: if you haven’t played the first game, or even if you need a refresher, I highly recommend catching up before diving headlong into Death Stranding 2. The sequel assumes you know the events of the first and doesn’t take the time to fill in the blanks.

"This is undoubtedly one of Kojima’s most complete narratives."

That being said, this is undoubtedly one of Kojima’s most complete narratives. The plot twists had me wide-eyed, trying to piece things together. I was engrossed in the story, trying to reach the next major development, and couldn’t put the game down. The plotline goes from quiet moments of introspection to full-out sci-fi madness. That tonal leap, equal parts arthouse and action-epic, kept me off‑balance in the best way, not knowing what to expect next. It’s a story about building bridges, literal and metaphorical, through trauma, found family, and quiet resilience.

Death Stranding 2 Gameplay: The Strand Experience Evolved

The gameplay foundation from the first game remains the same, with some critical refinements that add less friction and more action to the experience. Early deliveries across Mexico are grounded and tactile—stacking crates, adjusting balance, and sweating every step over unforgiving terrain. That friction and tension are still there, but Kojima layers on new systems that open your options.

"That friction and tension are still there, but Kojima layers on new systems that open your options."

Before long, I was revving motorcycles across deserts, deploying AI-powered drone scans to chart routes, and commandeering cargo trucks outfitted with mounted weapons and a mechanical winch. The blend of traversal and combat reminded me of Metal Gear Solid V, though here it’s filtered through Kojima’s surreal flourishes, with terrifying BTs lurking around every corner.

Stealth, Combat and Connection

The stealth and combat systems feel more generous this time, with perks unlocking quickly and enemies being very forgiving. At times, that made encounters feel a touch too easy. Yet I also found that freedom refreshing, letting me experiment with my toolkit without fear of constant failure.

"The gameplay this time around delivered, and it felt like a lot of the ideas from the first game had evolved for Death Stranding 2."

The mission loop—deliver, optimize, repeat—can drag in the late game, but it’s also where the sequel finds its genius. Mastering routes, fine-tuning loadouts, and watching those online “likes” pour in creates a sense of connection to fellow players. The gameplay this time around delivered, and it felt like a lot of the ideas from the first game had evolved for Death Stranding 2.

Graphics & Performance: The Next‑Gen Showcase

In terms of visuals, Death Stranding 2 is one of the most striking games of this generation so far. All my impressions of the game’s performance in this review are from the PS5 Pro hardware. The Decima Engine driving the experience handles terrain flawlessly—wet ground reflecting neon, mechs emerging from tar with shining hydraulic detail, storm clouds sculpted like looming beasts. On the PS5 Pro, I achieved stable 60fps with crisp resolution, and I saw little to no frame drops, even during intense battles and chase scenes.

"Overall, the graphics, performance and art direction are masterful and shouldn’t be missed."

The DualSense’s haptic rumble and speaker make the rain and other elements feel like they are pounding down. Overall, the graphics, performance and art direction are masterful and shouldn’t be missed.

Death Stranding 2 Audio & Sound Design

One of the most transportive parts of Death Stranding 2 is its music. Kojima Productions carries forward the legacy of Death Stranding’s unforgettable music, with Low Roar’s ethereal tracks once again anchoring key story beats. Much like in the first game, their songs seem to arrive at just the right moment, turning simple walks into emotional set pieces. Woodkid’s compositions give the game a pulse—soft and meditative in moments of solitude, then swelling with emotion during dramatic reveals or penultimate moments that left me with chills.

"One of the most transportive parts of Death Stranding 2 is its music. "

But the magic doesn’t stop at the music; the ambient sound design is equally powerful. The hollow clatter of cargo shifting on your back, the distant call of wildlife, or the sudden, unsettling silence before a BT encounter all create a world that feels alive and unpredictable. Rain doesn’t just fall; it hisses and eats away at the environment, reminding you of time’s corrosive passage. Together, these subtle details blend with the score to create a soundscape that’s not just atmospheric but essential to the experience. With Woodkid’s artistry, Low Roar’s haunting presence, and meticulous ambient design, Death Stranding 2 makes sound as vital a part of the journey as sight or story.

Final Thoughts: A Bridge Worth Crossing

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is everything I hoped a sequel from Hideo Kojima would be: ambitious, eccentric, and deeply human. It takes the raw, experimental ideas of the first game and evolves them into something more complete, more confident, and often more breathtaking. Yes, the pacing still meanders at times, and some missions lean a little too heavily on repetition; however, those quibbles feel minor against the scope of what Kojima Productions has built here.

"If the first Death Stranding was about proving the 'strand genre' could exist, this sequel proves it can thrive."

This is a game that refuses to be rushed. It lingers in quiet moments, then explodes into spectacle, constantly reminding you that connection, whether through story, systems, or those anonymous “likes” from fellow players, is at its core. Few games feel this personal, this weird, and this grand all at once.

For me, On the Beach isn’t just one of the best games of the year—it’s one of the boldest pieces of science fiction I’ve ever played.

"On the Beach isn’t just one of the best games of the year—it’s one of the boldest pieces of science fiction I’ve ever played."

If the first Death Stranding was about proving the “strand genre” could exist, this sequel proves it can thrive. Strap on your pack, find your balance, and take that first step—you’ll be glad you made the journey.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach PROS

+Expansive and emotionally resonant story

+Deep, flexible gameplay with action and choices

+Powerhouse audio design and score

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach CONS

– Slightly repetitive mission structure late-game

– Pacing occasionally drags in setup sections

– Narrative tone occasionally overstuffed

Overall Assessment of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Gameplay: 9.0/10

Graphics: 9.5/10

Sound: 10/10

Lasting Appeal / Replayability: 9/10

Overall Rating: 37.5/40 = 93%

A copy of the game was provided by PlayStation to conduct this #review.

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About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

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